I WOULD like to comment on the letter from D Smith on voter apathy (EA, May 8).

In a democracy, it is up to the individual what they do with their vote it is not for people to denigrate them for choosing not to use it.

The remarks about the streets of Penhill flowing with effluent are totally uncalled for. They are highly offensive to people like myself who live there and are not helped when dealing with a particular problem.

The one thing that comes over loud and clear, however, is that Smith's idea of democracy and politics is that people are stupid. One day D Smith may find that this is a very stupid assumption to make.

I assume this is the same D Smith who went on about school places and parental choice in an earlier letter. If so, then I would ask Smith to put his/her own house in order before giving people a lecture on politics.

A ABURTON

Penhill

Swindon